Tailgate glass frustrations

[Rdav1s]

Hi all,

technically a Syncro specific question as the tailgate says “Syncro”

I have now tried, unsuccessfully 10 times to refit the glass in my replacement tailgate. After the 1st five attempts I bought a seal from brickworks to replace the one from justKampers. The brickworks one looks and feels far superior in every way so I’m sure the rubber is the best I can get. 
I worked at Rover Longbridge as a body repairer for 10 years and assisted in fitting both the mini and metro glass, so I’m familiar with the install method. The fitting was a 2-3 man job but I have done it on my own since.
I guess the question I have is, are the VW rubbers and glass a much tighter fit that the British counter parts that I’m used to. The front screen rubber looks original and is crazy tight compared to a mini.
Realistically, can this be fitted with an out of date ex fitter of British glass, giving instructions (from memory) to a complete novice ( the wife )??

Finally, where can I go to get this fitted near Birmingham.

cheers, Rob
 

[TONYT25T25]

Not a Syncro owner but what about the windscreen repair guys like auto glass, they must come up with this issue or similar all the time, is the tailgate still on the van or have you removed it to get better access.

[Rdav1s]

The gate is removed so I can take it to auto glass but there is a stubborn part of me that wants to do it. I will take an angle grinder to the glass soon
 

[TONYT25T25]

I know what you mean, there is always a part me that wants to do the job myself instead of handing it over to a garage, mainly because I think I can do a better job or if anything goes wrong its still within my control and not stranded at some garage. 

[davidoft1]

How are you attempting to fit it, I find the tailgate easiest , it’s a different technique to mini ones etc

[Aidan]

I think it is easier with the tailgate on the van as one person inside with the string (crossed over at the bottom) and one person outside applying pressure, when required, but not too much pressure otherwise the lip of the seal won't lift over the lip of the aperture; start at bottom corner go up side across top and part down then complete bottom edge and corner from where you started to complete above final lower corner, you may have to push sideways on the glass and seal to get the last corner in

[Plasticman]

How are you attempting to fit it, I find the tailgate easiest , it’s a different technique to mini ones etc

Post up your method as it may really help the OP
mm

[davidoft1]

How are you attempting to fit it, I find the tailgate easiest , it’s a different technique to mini ones etc

Post up your method as it may really help the OP
mm

String in the groove , window in the hole , pull the string , whack the window

[Plasticman]

Well O/P theres the method explained for you, 
mm

[davidoft1]

Well O/P theres the method explained for you, 
mm

I tried not to over complicate my answer

[zoona]

I did this a couple of weeks ago with a brickwerks seal. But it was on the plastic double glazed rear window, so possibly not the same.

I almost managed it by myself with (tailgate in the van) but in the end my landlord (long time vw owner and his professional bodywork specialist) came round and did it while I assisted.

It was tight, but it has gone in.

Only thing we did that wasn't in the detailed methodology above was use lots of soapy water in the seal.